/SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The 2030 Agenda has as its goal the achievement of a decent life while preserving the basis of life. Against the backdrop that current utilization strategies are significantly damaging the environment, drastic changes are necessary here. Decarbonization is a major step here. The energy sector in particular has a major impact, contributing to nearly two-thirds of anthropogenic CO2 emissions worldwide. Switching to sustainable ways to supply energy is thus an important lever, and the potential that has been technically opened up in recent years must be exploited. In addition to the sustainable generation of energy, our use of energy influences the future energy supply: Efficiency issues run through the entire supply chain, from generation to transport and storage to efficiency in the use of useful energy. The three fields in which the greatest need for action exists are therefore the sustainable generation of energy, efficiency, and the infrastructure that transports SDG-compliant energy to useful energy applications.

SDG 7 Targets:*

7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services

7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency

7.a By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology

7.b By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States, and land-locked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programmes of support

In Austria, the share of renewable energy in the power supply is currently 76%, in the overall energy system about 33%. A large part of the energy demand is still covered by fossil fuels.[1]
These must be replaced in industry, households and transport and by alternative supplies such as electrification or renewable fuels, and the total energy demand must be reduced by increasing efficiency. In the course of electrification, the share of renewable energy in the electricity sector must be expanded. In addition to renewable electricity, the expansion of renewable energy for the production of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels must not be ignored.
There is also a need for efficiency measures in addition to the expansion of RES. Efficient end-use technologies reduce grid energy demand. In addition, reducing primary energy demand closer to the level of useful energy demand can be achieved by increasing efficiency while achieving the best possible efficiency.
As part of a sustainable energy supply, it is necessary to keep infrastructure planning up to date and maintain high standards even during the expansion of renewables.

[1] Statistik Austria /Umweltbundesamt ZahlenDatenFakten

(based on the options report to be published)

The options elaborated by the SDG groups are to serve as a means of communicating to the federal government which concrete options can be set by Austria in order to implement the 2030 Agenda with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The options report will be published on 02.12.2021.

• Option 7.1: Expansion of renewable energy generation
• Option 7.2: Increasing energy efficiency with a focus on industry
• Option 7.3: Infrastructure for the temporal and spatial balancing of energy production and consumption